Texas Tech adds explosive FCS receiver Jalen Jones to roster

Texas Tech bolstered its receiving corps by landing Alabama State wide receiver Jalen Jones, a true big-play threat who piled up 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Jones averaged 22.88 yards per catch, a mark that led FCS players in yards per reception, and he ranked among the top FCS receivers in yards per game. With two years of eligibility remaining, Jones arrives ready to make an immediate impact.

Jones projects as a vertical and slot threat who stretches the field and forces defenses to account for sudden bursts downfield. His yards-per-catch average signals consistent chunk plays rather than short, possession-style reps, giving Texas Tech a weapon to open up the intermediate game and create space for tight ends and underneath routes. That trait is especially valuable in the Power-Four environment of the Big 12, where spacing and tempo punish hesitation.

This signing slots into a larger portal class that includes high-profile quarterback Brendan Sorsby, underscoring Texas Tech’s strategy of adding experienced, ready-to-play pieces. Jones’ arrival creates matchup problems for Big 12 secondaries used to length and speed, and it offers quarterbacks a reliable target on vertical concepts, seam throws, and sudden change-of-direction routes out of the slot. Coaches will be looking at how his burst translates against faster, more physical competition and how quickly he adapts to more complex route concepts and coverage schemes.

For the FCS community, Jones’ move continues to illustrate a clear path from standout production at the SWAC level to Power-Four opportunity. His raw metrics — big yardage totals, high yards-per-catch average, and a penchant for finding the end zone — are the kind of résumé that draws Power-Four interest and can serve as a recruiting example for other FCS playmakers.

Practically, expect Texas Tech to feature Jones early in spring practice and to test him in a variety of alignments: out wide to threaten single coverage, in the slot to exploit matchups, and on gadget looks that take advantage of his speed. For fans, his presence means more vertical shots and a likely uptick in explosive play potential. For opposing defenses, he adds another layer of difficulty to an already dynamic offense.

Watch spring ball and fall camp to see how quickly Jones acclimates; if his FCS production carries over, he could be a key piece in Texas Tech’s attempt to turn deep shots into consistent scoring drives.